Barcelona star on the table of Premier League and Serie A giants
Countdown to Baldé's departure begins
The future of Barcelona star Alejandro Balde has entered its decisive phase, with his agent, Jorge Mendes, working to gather offers and gauge the views of leading European clubs.
According to Sport newspaper, Balde knows full well that his best option is to leave Barcelona in the upcoming winter transfer window.
What he wants is a sporting project that lets him regain his standing and his influence. Ronald Araujo is the model to follow, having rebuilt his market value during his loan spell at Liverpool.
Balde hopes to follow in the Uruguayan defender's footsteps. That means regular playing time and the chance to prove himself at a club that clearly backs him.
Mendes is holding talks with a range of clubs to test their interest in Balde and weigh up the options with the player over the coming weeks.
Barcelona's priority is a straight sale for 40 million euros. His agent, though, reckons a loan with an option to buy is more realistic, and that option could even become obligatory should certain conditions be met.
At the very least, the Catalan club hopes a loan will drive up the player's market value and pave the way for a big sale next summer. Balde came through the academy, so the entire proceeds from any deal would go to Barcelona.
England is where Mendes is focusing his attention. Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester United have all listened to the terms of a potential deal, but none has taken a final decision.
Tottenham and Manchester City also feature among the options on the table. Any move from either, though, would depend on players leaving in the winter window.
Over in Italy, Roma and Juventus have already met Mendes to ask about the terms of a deal. The main obstacle is Balde's salary, which both clubs would struggle to absorb within their financial structures.
Monaco remain keen on a move. Benfica, who pushed hard to sign him in the summer, have cooled their interest now that the left-back slot is filled at the Portuguese side.
Barcelona's sporting planning hinges heavily on Balde's exit. The club believes the wage savings from a deal, together with a currently available margin of around 4 million euros, could prove decisive in entering the January market while still being able to register new signings.
Flick's recruiters want to use that financial room to land a left-footed centre-back or a top-class versatile full-back. Both are seen as priorities for strengthening the squad.
That is why, despite preferring an outright sale, Barcelona are prepared to study different formulas that would ease the wage burden immediately while securing a financial return down the line.
Mendes now has several weeks to line up the options and put the most attractive offers to Balde. A decision is expected during December, with the aim of completing his departure in January.
